The Australian government has confirmed it will proceed with its controversial plan to ban children under 16 from accessing social media platforms, despite facing a constitutional challenge in the High Court.
Legal Battle Over Digital Rights
The Sydney-based Digital Freedom Project filed a legal challenge on Wednesday against legislation scheduled to take effect on December 10. The organisation argues that the ban represents a direct assault on young people's rights and undermines parental responsibility.
Communications Minister Anika Wells responded defiantly to the legal action during a parliamentary address, stating: "We will not be intimidated by legal challenges. We will not be intimidated by Big Tech. On behalf of Australian parents, we stand firm."
Opposition from Libertarian Groups
The Digital Freedom Project, led by president John Ruddick - a New South Wales state lawmaker for the minor Libertarian Party - contends that the government is overstepping its boundaries.
"Parental supervision of online activity is today the paramount parental responsibility. We do not want to outsource that responsibility to government and unelected bureaucrats," Ruddick stated.
The case is being brought by Sydney law firm Pryor, Tzannes and Wallis Solicitors on behalf of two 15-year-old children, though it remains unclear whether an injunction will be sought to prevent the ban's implementation before the case is heard.
Global Implications and Tech Company Response
Technology giant Meta has already begun preparing for the new regulations, sending warnings to thousands of Australian children suspected to be under 16. The company has instructed them to download their digital histories and delete their accounts from Facebook, Instagram and Threads before the ban takes effect.
The Australian government has specified that three Meta platforms plus Snapchat, TikTok, X and YouTube must take reasonable steps to exclude Australian account holders younger than 16. Companies failing to comply face substantial fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (£32 million).
This Australian initiative appears to be inspiring similar actions internationally. Malaysia has announced plans to implement a social media ban for children under 16 starting in 2026, with Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil confirming his government is studying Australia's approach as part of broader efforts to protect young people from online harms including cyberbullying, scams and sexual exploitation.
